Sections
Text Area

Campus Health and Safety

Portable Fire Extinguishers

Left Column
Image
Image
AdobeStock_175555684
Right Column
Image
Image
AdobeStock_298507407
Text Area

Portable fire extinguishers are able to control or extinguish small fires. The usefulness of portable fire extinguishers depends on whether people know how to use them. It is a good idea to make sure that Departmental Safety Officers and staff members in various departments/offices know what it is for, and when it is to be used.

Text Area

 

Text Area

Good practices for handling fire extinguishers in the workplace.

Text Area

1. Proper Selection of Fire Extinguishers
 

Fire extinguishers are designed to tackle specific types of fire. In the University, the four most commonly used fire extinguishers are carbon dioxide, water, dry powder and foam.

First Column
Image
Image
CO2FE_240x346
Second Column
Text Area

Carbon Dioxide Gas Type Extinguisher


Use: On electrical fires, flammable liquids, electronic equipment or documents.

Notes: Vapours will asphyxiate. Withdraw to open air after use.

Third Column
Image
Image
waterFE_x240
Fourth Column
Text Area

Water Type Extinguisher


Use: On fires involving wood, plastic, textiles or paper.

Never: On fires involving electrical or flammable liquids or metals.

First Column
Image
Image
PowderFE_2_x240
Second Column
Text Area

Dry Powder Type Extinguisher


Use: On most fires, including flammable liquids or electrical fires.

Notes: Discharged dry powder may reduce visibility and cause disorientation.

Third Column
Image
Image
Foam Type
Image Caption
(For reference only)
Fourth Column
Text Area

Foam Type Extinguisher


Use: On fires involving flammable liquids.

Never: On electrical fires.

Text Area

 

Left Column
Text Area

2. Proper Storage of Fire Extinguishers

  • It is the duty of owners of fire extinguishers to ensure the proper storage of the fire extinguishers and keep them in proper working order.
  • Location of fire extinguishers is critical. Make sure that Departmental Safety Officers and staff members in various departments/offices know the location of the fire extinguishers.
  • Fire extinguishers should be placed in areas that are easily accessible and clearly visible. Always keep areas in front of fire extinguishers clean and clear of obstructions.
  • Fire extinguishers need to be mounted at lower height with the carrying handle about 3 feet above the floor.
  • Sign, pictogram or other means of identification should be available to indicate the location of the fire extinguisher.
Right Column
Image
Image
Fire Extinguishers
Image Caption
Proper Storage of Fire Extinguishers
Text Area

 

Left Column
Text Area

3. Use of Fire Extinguishers - PASS
 

Pull: Point the nozzle away from you and pull the locking pin.
Aim: Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire.
Squeeze: Squeeze the lever slowly and evenly. If you release the lever, the discharge will stop.

Right Column
Text Area

Sweep: Sweep from side to side to cover all areas of the fire.

Staff and students are encouraged to attend hands-on training on the use of fire extinguishers. These courses are usually offered at the start of semesters.

Text Area

 

Left Column
Text Area

4. Proper Maintenance and Disposal of Fire Extinguishers
 

Under Cap. 95B Fire Service (Installations and Equipment) Regulations - Duty of owners of fire service installations or equipment, the owner of any fire service installation or equipment which is installed in any premises shall:

(a) keep such fire service installation or equipment in efficient working order at all times; and

(b) have such fire service installation or equipment inspected by a registered contractor at least once in every 12 months.

Right Column
Text Area

In addition, the fire extinguishers shall undergo a hydraulic pressure test every five years to ensure that such fire service installations are always in good standby conditions. Source: Fire Services Department

Under the following conditions, we should first contact CMO for follow-up action:

  • There are signs of damage or corrosion.
  • After an extinguisher has been used, even if it is only partially used up, it must be recharged according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
  • Unserviceable fire extinguishers should be disposed properly. Improper disposal of fire extinguishers will not only pose risks to the public, but also result in prosecution.
Left Column
Image
Image
Damage01
Image Caption
If there are signs of damage or corrosion!
Right Column
Image
Image
Damage02
Image Caption
Recycling Poster